Walsh to receive Emmy’s Governors Award

Emmys will honor 'America's Most Wanted' creator

John Walsh, creator of “America’s Most Wanted,” will receive the Governors Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

The award will be presented during the Creative Arts Emmys ceremony Sept. 10 at L.A.’s Nokia Theater.

“John Walsh has dedicated his life to the betterment of society, and while doing so has used television in an inventive and extraordinary way,” Acad chairman-CEO John Shaffner said. “His contribution to society goes far beyond just hosting a hit TV show, but sets a prime example of how television can be used to convey an important message.”

Walsh spearheaded the launch of “Wanted” in 1988, seven years after his son Adam was abducted and subsequently found murdered. The program ran for 23 years, with Fox airing its final episode in June, though the possibility of special editions of the show remains.

“Wanted” reportedly led to the capture of 1,500 fugitives and the safe return of 50 missing children. It was nominated for a 1990 Emmy for informational series.

Walsh became the third man to be named an honorary U.S. Marshal in the organization’s 200-plus-year history.

Norman Brokaw, chairman emeritus of WME, was the 2010 Governors Award recipient, while HBO documentary chief Sheila Nevins received the honor in 2009.